Community Transforms Teacher’s Lawrence Home After MS Diagnosis

LAWRENCE (CBS) – Tiffany Mottola is finally has something to smile about. The 33-year-old was recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and it is taking its toll on her ability to get around.

“Of course I am scared because this is a whole new life for me. Some days I wake up and I have a tough time walking and my memory is not that great,” Mottola said.

Tiffany is an instructor at Lincoln Technical Institute in Lowell. She recently had to stop working because of her health. When her students found out, they along with the Home Depot, decided to help remodel the outside of her house in Lawrence. They call it the Tiffany Project.

On Tuesday, volunteers from the Boys and Girls Club of Lower Merrimack Valley pitched in to help. “I’ve been raking leaves pulling weeds to shoveling,” 13-year-old Kyle Demurs said.

The Home Depot is also building her a ramp and it’s all completely donated. “It’s to give help to someone who really needs it. We are repainting house, redoing the deck, fire pit, patio, swing set picnic table. The whole 9 yards,” Home Depot manager Nathaniel Royer said.

For Tiffany this project is an unexpected gift. “There are good people out there who want to do go for other people,” Mottola said.